What is it about?
This contribution pays tribute to Agostino Gemelli (1878-1959), a psychologist and phonetician who pioneered modern experimental phonetics. Captivated by the dynamic nature of the acoustic phenomena of speech, a subject he encountered during his training in Germany under Carl Stumpf, he established a renowned laboratory and a multidisciplinary research programme on the spoken and sung voice at the Catholic University of Milan. This remarkable achievement led to his global renown.
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Why is it important?
Electroacoustic analysis and unwavering dedication enabled Gemelli to address the limitations of a phonetics that was in its nascent stages in Italy. His research progressed from the study of the acoustic nature of language units (consonants, vowels) to timbre, to the minimum threshold of duration for perception, and ultimately to the subject that had captivated him most: variations.
Perspectives
The activities and works of Agostino Gemelli constitute a heritage of considerable historical and methodological interest for the study of the constitution of a disciplinary field (phonetics) in Italy and the world. The content of the correspondence (only partially explored) indicates the international stature of the scholar and the pioneering role of the research conducted in his Laboratory. Furthermore, these materials offer the potential to illuminate the interactions and collaborations between American and European scholars in the latter half of the 20th century.
Enrica Galazzi
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This page is a summary of: History of Linguistics 2021, November 2024, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/sihols.133.
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